Uzbekistan has predominantly Islam religion, with 90% of the population being Muslims. Uzbek is the official language of the country, though Russian, Tajik, and Karakalpak are spoken in certain regions. The country is culturally rich. Pottery and embroidery are the most respected crafts.
10 Best Places to Visit in Uzbekistan
Most of the Uzbekistan trip package will include a visit to the best places in the country. The following are some of the must-visit places to visit in Uzbekistan.
1. Ark, Bhukara
The Ark in Bhukara is the oldest structure to date. Even though it was bombed by the Red Army in 1920, the ruins reflect the proud royal heritage. The remaining quarters were turned into museums.
2. Registan, Samarkand
One of the most stunning sights in Central Asia, Registan is a vast Islamic architecture. It is one of the oldest madrassas and a major tourist attraction in the country.
3. The Walled City of Khiva
Almost 2000 years old, Kiva is the ancient city of Uzbekistan. It is also known as Korasam and is protected by crenelated brick walls. The walled city is the first World Heritage Site in Uzbekistan. Spending a day and a night inside the city will give you a chance to visit some of the marvelous structures.
4. Chorsu Bazaar
You have to add Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent to your list of the best things to do in Uzbekistan. Bright and colorful, the market is the right place for you to get a feel of the local culture. The fresh fruits and vegetables, the delicious food lure tourists to spend hours simply strolling through the market.
5. Plov Center, Tashkent
Structured like an Opera house, the Plov center in Tashkent serves a whopping 1,500 kilograms of Pilau each day. One of the most loved dishes in the country, the recipe changes from city to city, though the basic ingredients remain more or less the same.
6. Palace Of Khudayar Khan, Kokand
This palace has to be a part of your list of the best places to visit in Uzbekistan. Constructed in the year 1871, the Palace is named after Khudayar Khan, the last ruler of Kokand Khanate. The magnificent structure has 119 rooms. It is also known as the Pearl of Kokand.
7. Chor Minar in Bhukara
The structure was constructed in the 18th century and is currently located in the northeast part of Bhukara. Built by a rich merchant, Khalif Niyazkul, Chor Minar is a symbol of the four cardinal points of geography.
8. Gur-e-Amir, Samarkand
A mausoleum of Mongol Emperor, Timur, Gur-e-Amir was built in the 14th century. The azure dome was constructed in the shape of a flute and holds significance as Timur, his sons, and his grandsons were buried there.
9. Aydarkul Lake
Make sure a visit to Aydrakul Lake is a part of the Uzbekistan package. Created by the Soviets, the semi-natural lake covers 400 sq. km. It is located in the Kyzylkum desert near a small seasonal lake.
10. Amir Timur Museum, Tashkent
The museum is a replica of the mausoleum of the Mongol Conquerer Taimur. Named after the Emperor, the museum exhibits more than 5000 heirlooms that represent the Timurid Dynasty.
The Means of Commuting
The best way to visit Uzbekistan from India is to travel by flight. Tashkent International Airport is connected with most countries around the world. Tourists from countries surrounding Uzbekistan car either travel by car or take the buses when the land borders are open between the countries. The immigration process is lengthy, and be prepared to spend some considerable time at the airport collecting the baggage. The Uzbekistan tour packages do include the cost of the flight as a part of the package. So, ensure that the package you select is inclusive of the travel cost.
How to Move Around After You Land At the Tashkent International Airport?
The Tashkent - Samarkand – Bukhara mainline has two express trains and a daily overnight train. The trains are comfortable, and you can sleep well on overnight trains. There are three types of trains depending on their speed- fast or express trains, high-speed trains, and passenger trains. There are also 4 types of sleepers available, though it is advisable not to opt for the umumiy vagon. Shared taxis are relatively safe and are the second-best option when on an Uzbekistan holiday. Remember to negotiate the rate in advance. The taxis will start its journey once all the seats are booked.
Buses in Uzbekistan are for the adventurous crowd. They are clean but are not suitable if you are in a hurry to reach the destination. Rental cars require an international driving permit, and there are speed limit restrictions that have to be followed. Also, stay on the right side when driving.
Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan
Spring and Fall are the best times to plan a visit to Uzbekistan. The months of April and May, September to early November are warm and dry. You can enjoy the beauty of the place without worrying about the scorching heat.
November to March are cold months compared to the rest of the time. But the skies are clear, and it is the quietest time of the year. The bright blue sky makes it a perfect backdrop to take pictures. If you are looking for some serenity, this might be the best time to select one of the Uzbekistan holiday packages. A trip to Uzbekistan during the high summers should be avoided due to the increasing temperatures. It becomes difficult to go out and enjoy the different locations the country has to offer.
5 best Indian Restaurants in Uzbekistan
Indian food is available anywhere in the world, and Uzbekistan is no exception.
1. The Gabbar’s
A restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, Russian, Asian, and European cuisine. They have vegan options.
Must-try: Naan.
Address: Oybek Street 65 | Mirabad Region, Tashkent 100015, Uzbekistan
Contact: +998 90 374 61 56
2. Raaj Kapur
An Indian restaurant that is vegetarian-friendly and has vegan options.
Must-try: Dosa, Punjabi food.
Address: 2, Uzbekiston Ovozi Str | Le Grande Plaza Hotel, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Contact: +998 71 120 06 03
3. The Host
They serve Indian cuisine, are vegetarian-friendly and have vegan options.
Must-try: Butter Chicken, Gajar Halwa.
Address: Oybek Street 65 | Mirabad Region, Tashkent 100001, Uzbekistan
Contact: +998 94 659 15 55
4. Guru Tandoori
They serve Indian and Arabic cuisine, are vegetarian-friendly and have vegan options.
Must-try: Naan.
Address: Said Baraka, 16B, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Contact: +998 97 752 22 75
5. Patiala House
Serves Indian Cuisine and is vegetarian-friendly.
Must-try: Dal.
Address: 17, Matbuotchilar str. | Business center Zaravshan, 2nd floor, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Contact: Not available.
Best Native Dishes to Try & Where, When In Uzbekistan
1. Afsona Restaurant
They serve Uzbek cuisine, are vegetarian-friendly and have vegan options.
Must-try: Local wine, Pilaf.
Address: T. Shevchenko St.,30, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Contact: +998 71 252 56 81
2. Caravan
They serve Middle Eastern, Eastern European cuisine; vegan options.
Must-try: Local dishes, Soups.
Address: Abdulla Qahhor 22, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Contact: +998 71 150 75 55
3. Siesta Pub & Restaurant
A steakhouse that serves European and Uzbek cuisine.
Must-try: Apple Strudel, Pizza, Kebab, Pepper steak.
Address: Amir Temur 98 | in front of International hotel, Tashkent 100020, Uzbekistan
Contact: +998 91 190 99 39
4. Osh Markazi Filial № 1
They serve Uzbek and Georgian cuisine.
Must-try: Plov.
Address: Afrosiab Street, Samarkand 140164, Uzbekistan
Contact: +998 93 330 21 00
5. Minzifa
They serve Uzbek cuisine, are vegetarian-friendly and have vegan options.
Must-try: Noodles, Kebab.
Address: Old Town 1st trading dome, Bukhara 200118, Uzbekistan
Contact: +998 93 960 23 26
Emergency Helpline
It is vital to carry helpline information when visiting a new country. In case of emergencies, contact the Indian Embassy in Uzbekistan.
Address: 15/16 Kara-Bulak Street, Tashkent 100052, Uzbekistan
Contact: +998 71 140 09 83
Uzbekistan-a fast-growing tourist destination is blessed with intensely beautiful ancient structures. Though the country is safe for visitors most of the time, it is advised to remember that Uzbekistan is not an LGBT friendly country. Planning to explore Uzbekistan? Travel with PML Holidays.
